You arrive in Madrid at Christmas and want to quickly decide what to do. We show you clear, practical plans — lights, markets, ice skating, Nativity scenes, New Year’s Eve and typical local food.
Make the most of Madrid
Legends – The Home of Football: Entry Ticket
WAH Madrid – Music Show, Food & Party Experience
Palacio de Liria: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
Ticket with audio guide app for the Prado Museum
Madrid: Guided Walking Tour + Prado Museum Entry
Audioguided tour of the Las Ventas Bullring and Bullfighting Museum
Thematic Tours Ticket at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Madrid: Full Day Tour with Prado Museum and Royal Palace Fast Track Entry
Tickets for Fundación Mapfre Madrid Sala Recoletos
Madrid Wax Museum tickets
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza skip-the-line tickets with audio guide
Atlético de Madrid, self-guided stadium tour and museum entry
Entrance Ticket to Legends The Home of Football Museum
Royal Palace of Madrid: Fast Track Ticket + Audio Guide
Skip-the-line tickets to Liria Palace with audio guide
Madrid Afternoon Walking Tour with Royal Palace and Prado Museum
Madrid Full Day Tour with Prado Museum and Royal Palace
Madrid Walking Tour, Prado Museum Visit & Rooftop Drink
Madrid Landscape of Light and Prado Museum Tour
Royal Palace of Madrid Early Entrance Tour Skip-The-Line Ticket
Christmas lights tour
The City Council installs new LED lighting designs on the main streets every year. Walking at dusk lets you see Gran Vía, Calle Alcalá and Puerta del Sol with the lights on and fewer crowds.
The Christmas lights are usually switched on from late November until 6 January. In 2024/25 they ran from 28 November to 6 January; for 2025/26 the City Council will confirm the exact dates and times.
| Area | Lighting | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Vía | Multicolour LED lights | To be confirmed (2025/26) | To be confirmed (2025/26) |
| Calle Alcalá | Projections and Christmas motifs | To be confirmed (2025/26) | To be confirmed (2025/26) |
| Puerta del Sol | Illuminated tree and central area | To be confirmed (2025/26) | To be confirmed (2025/26) |
Puerta del Sol is where much of the atmosphere is concentrated. In 2024, the tree reached 37 m in height; the design can change each season. Plaza Mayor stands out for its traditional Christmas market.
The Glass Gallery at CentroCentro (Cibeles Palace) hosted an ice rink from 14 December to 5 January in the 2024/25 season. For 2025/26, check dates and tickets on the official city website. Entrance on Calle Montalbán 1.
Calle Preciados, one of Madrid’s main shopping streets, turns into a tunnel of light at this time of year. Thousands of tiny bulbs accompany people on their Christmas shopping.
Another key spot is Plaza de Cibeles, where Cibeles Palace is lit up with Christmas motifs. From here, you can continue along the illuminated Paseo del Prado until you reach Atocha station.
To make the most of your visit, do the route at dusk, when the lights start to come on. You’ll also avoid the busiest time, which is usually between 20:00 and 22:00.
Check the official interactive Christmas lights map from Madrid City Council to plan your route and make sure you don’t miss any illuminated corners.
Visit the Christmas markets
Christmas markets are part of the classic plan in Madrid. You’ll find gifts, decorations and food stalls in different neighbourhoods.
The most famous market is the one in Plaza Mayor. With more than 100 wooden stalls, it has kept the tradition alive since the 19th century. It usually opens in the last week of November and runs until 31 December.
Another highlight is La Navideña in Plaza de España, with a market and ice rink. In 2024/25 it ran from 23 November to 6 January; for 2025/26 the dates will be announced in autumn.
For craft lovers, the Craft Market Fair of the Community of Madrid, on Paseo de Recoletos (between Cibeles and Colón), brings together local jewellery, ceramics and textiles.
If you’re looking for something more alternative, the Design Market at Matadero Madrid brings together independent creators on some December weekends. Dates and venues vary each year; check the Matadero Madrid programme.
You can check timetables and activities on the Madrid City Council website.
| Market | Location | Speciality | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Mayor | Historic centre | Traditional Christmas decorations | To be confirmed (2025/26) · 2024/25: 28 Nov – 31 Dec |
| Plaza de España (La Navideña) | City centre | Crafts and food | To be confirmed (2025/26) · 2024/25: 23 Nov – 6 Jan |
| Matadero Madrid | Arganzuela | Contemporary design | December weekends (depending on programme) |
Ice skating in Plaza de Colón
Ice skating in Colón is a winter classic in Madrid. Its central location and the festive lights make it appealing both for beginners and for those who already skate.
The rink usually opens at the beginning of December and stays open until early January. There are beginner lessons and support aids for children.
In the area, you’ll also find food stalls and occasional performances.
Nativity scenes route through Madrid
The Nativity scene tradition is very strong in Madrid. There are classic displays and more artistic versions in museums and cultural centres.
City Council Nativity scene (Cibeles Palace): monumental and free; it usually requires advance reservation.
Neapolitan Nativity scene at the Royal Palace: with figures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Free entry in the Christmas season; check access details on the National Heritage website.
At the Casa de Vacas Cultural Centre (Retiro Park), there is a large-format Nativity scene that recreates the scenes in great detail.
The San Isidro Museum sets up a Nativity scene every year in its Renaissance courtyard.
| Location | Type of Nativity scene | Opening hours | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cibeles Palace | Monumental | Varies (check programme) | Free (may require reservation) |
| Royal Palace | Historic Neapolitan | Varies (check programme) | Free (may require reservation) |
| Casa de Vacas (Retiro) | Artistic | Varies (check programme) | Free |
| San Isidro Museum | Traditional | Varies (check programme) | Free |
For art lovers, the Nativity scene at the National Museum of Decorative Arts is a recommended stop because of the quality of its Neapolitan figures.
A suggested route: Royal Palace in the morning, Cibeles at midday and Retiro in the afternoon, combining it with a walk through the historic centre.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Puerta del Sol
The New Year’s Eve chimes in Puerta del Sol bring together thousands of people. The tradition is to eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock on the Casa de Correos building.
The square usually fills up quickly. Arrive early and follow the safety instructions; access is closed once capacity has been reached.
Practical tips:
- Bring your grapes prepared (peeled and seedless if you prefer).
- Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Avoid large backpacks.
- Agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
- Follow the instructions of the police and emergency staff.
After the chimes, the city centre keeps its festive atmosphere with parties and special dinners (these usually require advance booking).
Public transport on New Year’s Eve: the metro service ends at around 01:30 and starts again at 07:00 on 1 January; Sol station closes from the afternoon for security reasons. The night bus network (EMT) operates with special timetables.
Tasting Madrid’s Christmas gastronomy
Roscón de Reyes, polvorones and turrones define the flavour of this season. Classic patisseries such as La Mallorquina or Viena Capellanes start making roscones from early December.
For something savoury, cocido madrileño appears on many winter menus. The San Miguel Market offers seafood and tapas with extended opening hours on holidays.
There are also seasonal food tours that combine markets and tastings.
Visit Cortylandia
Cortylandia decorates the façade of El Corte Inglés in Preciados–Callao (Calle Maestro Victoria) with a musical show of about 15 minutes that is repeated several times a day.
The theme changes every year and always keeps a family-friendly tone.
Practical tips:
- Timetables are approximate; each season they are published on posters and official channels (check the exact schedule for your visit).
- Avoid peak times (afternoons and weekends) if you want fewer crowds.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early to get a good view.
- After the show, you can combine it with shopping or with the Christmas lights in Sol.
Cortylandia is free and accessible. On dates close to Christmas and New Year, the area can be very crowded.
Frequently asked questions about Madrid at Christmas
How to get to Madrid?
To plan your trip to Madrid, these are the main ways to get there:
By plane: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) connects with the city centre via: – Metro (Line 8): 20–30 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios (with airport supplement) – 24‑hour express bus (203): ~35 minutes to Atocha/Cibeles (5 €) – Taxi: fixed fare of 33 € to anywhere inside the M‑30 ring road – More information on transport from the airport
By train: Atocha and Chamartín stations receive high‑speed AVE trains from the main Spanish cities. Check timetables and prices on the Renfe website.
| How to get from the airport | Approximate time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Express Bus 203 (Atocha/Cibeles) | 30–40 min | 5 € |
| Metro L8 → transfer (centre) | 20–30 min | Depends on ticket (+ supplement) |
| Cercanías suburban train (T4: C1/C10) | ≈25–30 min to Atocha/N. Ministerios | Depends on zones |
| Taxi (M‑30 area) | 25–35 min | 33 € fixed fare |
When is the best time to visit Madrid at Christmas?
The period with the most atmosphere runs from late November to 6 January. Markets such as the one in Plaza Mayor open in the last week of November. Avoid: 24 and 25 December (closures), the night of the 31st (bookings needed), 5–6 January (parade and public holiday).
How to get around Madrid?
Public transport is extensive. See our tourist map: – Metro: the fastest option. Single ticket 1,50–2,00 € (depending on journey) – EMT: city buses – Cercanías: useful for nearby towns – BiciMAD: electric bikes – Tourist Travel Pass (Zone A): 10,00 €/1 day, 17,00 €/2 days, 22,50 €/3 days
What to visit in Madrid depending on how many days you have?
Suggested itineraries: – 2‑day guide – 3‑day guide. And places such as the San Miguel Market, the Almudena Cathedral or the Temple of Debod.
What activities are there for children?
Madrid is very family‑friendly at Christmas. Near Plaza de España or Puerta del Sol, you’ll find: – Cortylandia – Ice rink in Plaza de Colón – Parque Warner with Christmas decorations – Christmas Train – Santa’s House in Torrejón de Ardoz – Circo Price – Zoo Aquarium
Is it very cold in Madrid at Christmas?
Winter is dry and cold. To stroll through the Sabatini Gardens or Plaza de Oriente, bear in mind: – Typical daytime temperatures: 8–12 °C – Night‑time: 0–5 °C (occasional frost) – Low rainfall and plenty of sunny days.
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